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Network Video Players
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File formats
Another consideration is format support. If you want to watch DivX and XviD files – the most common formats on the internet – your options are limited to the Philips and ZyXEL. There are ways to convert DivX and XviD videos to other formats on-the-fly (see Server software on page 80), but these can lead to a drop in quality. The Apple TV has the most limited support, but if you already have a large iTunes library and are happy to buy videos from the iTunes store it may be the best option, partly because the interface is one of the best on test.
Gaming and user interfaces
Even if you don’t particularly want a games console, both the Xbox 360 and PS3 have their advantages as video streamers. The Xbox 360 is a Media Center Extender, which effectively allows you to locate your PC running either XP Media Center Edition or Vista Media Center in a different room, yet still see the same interface on your TV. You can also make use of any digital TV tuners installed on the PC to watch digital channels on an analogue TV, or watch recorded shows stored on its hard disk.
The PS3, on the other hand, has a Blu-ray drive, so can replace your existing DVD player as well as play Blu-ray movie discs. It also has media-card readers for playing files locally and four USB ports so you can plug in a keyboard and mouse for internet browsing.
The Xbox’s interface is leagues better than ZyXEL’s, and noticeably better than the PS3’s, too.
It might sound trivial, but the user interface can make a huge difference to the overall usability of a streamer. For example, it’s incredibly fast to find the album you want to play in Media Center (or using the Apple TV) because thumbnails of the album cover are shown. But others that don’t show album art can be harder to navigate.
Physical considerations
It’s important to choose a player that matches the audio and video connections on your TV and hi-fi, since adapters aren’t usually included in the box and can be expensive. HDMI is the most convenient interface, since it carries
both video and audio in one cable. If you have an older TV, component is the best alternative for HD signals (audio has to be connected separately), while, if you have it, SCART can be a useful connection for non-HD TVs (this also carries video and audio). Setting both the player and TV to RGB scart mode will provide the best quality.
You’ll get the best quality audio from a digital S/PDIF interface, but make sure your amplifier has a matching input, since there are two types: optical and coaxial. All bar the Philips have stereo phono outputs, which almost all amplifiers have. The Philips only has a SCART output, for which you’ll need an adapter to phono audio.
Lastly, don’t forget about noise. All but the Xbox and PS3 are essentially silent, as they don’t have any fans. The PS3 has a fairly quiet fan that’s easily masked when you’re listening to music, playing games or watching videos, but the Xbox 360’s din could prove annoying. The fans in the main unit have a relatively low pitch, but the huge power supply has a small, high-pitched fan. As long as you can place this well away from where you’re sitting, however, it shouldn’t be audible.
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This article appeared in the March, 2008 issue of PC Authority.
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
Comments: 2
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virgilwashere
Jun 20, 2008 4:36 PM
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RAID1 is *not* backup. RAID makes access to data more more reliable, but do not be lulled into a false sense of security. RAID may reduce the chance of losing data due to drive failure but it is no protection against losing your data due to other means, e.g. user error.
Comment made about the PC Authority article:
Network Video Players?
Play your video, photo and music files on your TV from a networked PC. We put five network players to the test
What do you think? Join the discussion. |
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virgilwashere
Jun 20, 2008 4:45 PM
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You seem to have missed some of the more popular options available for network streaming.
* Softmodded Xbox classic and Xbox Media Centre (XBMC) - my personal favourite for Standard Def.
* MediaGate 450HD
* Popcorn Hour A100
* ZIOVA Clearstream devices
XBMC for Linux on a SFF PC has the best outlook for HD streaming. When it comes out of beta. Any other HD streaming device seems to be a compromise in some way or another - mainly the user interface.
Virgil
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PC Authority Magazine
Issue: 131 | October, 2008
Australia's premier computer magazine, PC Authority gives you
the facts, opinions and insight to make informed PC and tech purchasing
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